Check Online Menus to Make Your Selections Ahead of Time

Also, see MRC Nutritional Guide to Eating Out.

Since eating out is one of life's great pleasures, it is important for you to adopt a policy for guilt-free dining. It can do wonders for your social life and help you develop the willpower to follow your menu plan regardless of when or where you eat. Sit-down restaurants, fast food franchises, coffee shops and even food trucks now offer healthy options that are better for you:

• Plan Your Meals Online - Most restaurants, fast food franchises and even food trucks post menu options online. Check out the nutritional information provided and make healthy choices before you go.
• Beware of the Condiments - There are healthy ways to add flavor and spices to any meal without adding a ton of calories. On the other hand, condiments and sauces can be loaded with hidden sugars and fats, so choose wisely.
• Don't Hesitate to Substitute - Many restaurants honor requests to help you meet your nutritional needs, so don't hesitate to ask. A side salad with a weight-friendly vinaigrette dressing on the side is a smart choice.
• Keep Portions Small - In Spanish cuisine, tapas are a wide variety of dishes served on small plates. Other types of restaurants adopted the concept and now serve certain dishes in smaller portions.
• Choose Nature's Beverage - Nothing beats water for maintaining good health. It is calorie-free and fat-free. Moreover, water will take care of all your hydration needs. Sparkling water is okay but avoid sugar-laden vitamin waters as they contain hidden calories.

With the average person eating out multiple times each week, eating healthy at restaurants is becoming more important these days. Thinking ahead and having a plan are key components of eating out without sacrifice to weight loss or weight management. Knowing more about the nutritional value of menu items as well as cooking techniques can help you dine out guilt-free.

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Most restaurant meals were not created to be weight loss friendly and some are unhealthy. But, it is entirely possible to eat out without causing havoc to your weight loss or weight management program. Download the Tips For Eating Out guidelines from the National Institute of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for additional advice on eating at franchise food chains.